GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY WHO LOVE GOD'S LAW

Psalm 119:161-176 / Keywords 119:165

Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

 

ש Sin and Shin

119:161 Rulers persecute me without cause,

    but my heart trembles at your word.

162 I rejoice in your promise

    like one who finds great spoil.

163 I hate and detest falsehood

    but I love your law.

164 Seven times a day I praise you

    for your righteous laws.

165 Great peace have those who love your law,

    and nothing can make them stumble.

166 I wait for your salvation, Lord,

    and I follow your commands.

167 I obey your statutes,

    for I love them greatly.

168 I obey your precepts and your statutes,

    for all my ways are known to you.

ת Taw

169 May my cry come before you, Lord;

    give me understanding according to your word.

170 May my supplication come before you;

    deliver me according to your promise.

171 May my lips overflow with praise,

    for you teach me your decrees.

172 May my tongue sing of your word,

    for all your commands are righteous.

173 May your hand be ready to help me,

    for I have chosen your precepts.

174 I long for your salvation, Lord,

    and your law gives me delight.

175 Let me live that I may praise you,

    and may your laws sustain me.

176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.

    Seek your servant,

    for I have not forgotten your commands.

1. I loved truth and hated falsehood (161-168). The psalmist was criticized and persecuted without cause, but he did not tremble before the powerful rulers who attacked him; he trembled before the word of God. He refused to compromise with his accusers because he loved truth and hated falsehood. He rejoiced in God's promises like one who has found a hidden treasure. Even in the midst of persecution, he had great peace because God's word was in his heart.

 

2. I have strayed like a lost sheep (169-176). We live in times when many people have no direction. One who has no direction has lost the way. He is lost like a lost sheep. The psalmist longed for God's salvation and delighted in God's word. He found that the Good Shepherd was seeking his sheep. The Good Shepherd is ready to hear and help all who call on him. He delivers his people according to his promise.

 

Prayer Lord, you are my shepherd. Help me to hold your word in my heart and have your peace and direction.

One Word Love God's word; have his peace